Hermanowski Family Foundation Initial Request Form

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Organization Name: Piast Institute
Legal Name (if Different):
Also Known As:
Mailing Address: 11633 Joseph Campau
City: Hamtramck
State: Michigan
Postal Code: 48212
Main Phone: 3137334535
Main Fax:
Organization Website: https://www.piastinstitute.org/
Employer ID Number: 30-0154459
Organization Tax Status: 501 (C) (3)

Proposal Information

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Today’s Date: 03/24/2026
Requested Amount: 10000

Project Title: Empowering Youth Champions
Project Description:

The Piast Institute, a National Institute for Polish and Polish American Affairs, requests funding to maintain youth programming and operational capacity in light of losing a significant federal funding source, the Drug Free Communities (DFC) grant. This will ensure that youth prevention activities are effectively implemented and culturally tailored to Hamtramck’s diverse community via the Hamtramck Drug Free Community Coalition (HDFCC). The HDFCC, a program of the Piast Institute, a local and nationally recognized 501 C 3 nonprofit, is a community-based prevention initiative dedicated to reducing youth substance misuse and promoting wellness among Hamtramck’s diverse population. Founded in 2007, one objective of the HDFCC is to strengthen protective factors for youth and implement evidence-based strategies that address local risk factors identified through data collection and surveying. HDFCC aims to reduce underage drinking, vaping, and drug use while promoting positive decision making skills and healthy alternatives for youth engagement. This funding would aid in the goal of supplementing youth programming activities, directly addressing the target population with the provision of alternative activities or opportunities to engage in safe and healthy activities that exclude substance use. Beyond this, the funding would offer the target population a means to also “be a kid” through the continued and expanded provision of bonding activities, games, field trips, etc. Opportunities to “be a kid” was a direct request made by Hamtramck youth as a better means to address anxieties and stressors, which have been further exacerbated by the stigmatization of immigrants and uncertainty surrounding their futures. Anticipated outcomes include sustained measurable reductions in reported youth substance use, increased participation in prevention and education programs, and stronger partnerships among community organizations and residents. The HDFCC seeks to create a lasting impact by empowering youth, supporting families, and cultivating a safer, healthier environment for all residents within Hamtramck.

Total Project Budget: 10000

Other Funding
Sources For The Project (Committed & Potential): Detroit Wayne Integrated Health Network (DWIHN)

Project Duration: October 2026-September 2027 (Unless otherwise specified)
Geographical Area Served: Hamtramck
Age Group To Be Served: 9-18

Contact Information

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Contact Prefix (Mr,Mrs etc.): Mrs.
Contact First Name: Virginia
Contact Last Name: Skrzyniarz
Contact Title: CEO and Co-Founder
Contact Phone: 3137334535
Contact Email: skrzyniarz@piastinstitute.org